Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, opportunities to speak to constituents about local government face-to-face have become scarce.

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, opportunities to speak to constituents about local government face-to-face have become scarce.

Thats why several candidates for Monroe Township and some county offices jumped at the opportunity to introduce themselves, speak with voters and discuss local issues ahead of the Aug. 4 primary election.

Monroe Boat Club, 7932 Bolles Harbor Dr., hosted a Meet the Candidates event Thursday night, which welcomed local candidates, along with some seeking county offices, for remarks and a question-and-answer period. The event was held outdoors, adhering to recommended social distancing requirements.

Candidates provided brief backgrounds, explained why theyre running for office and provided a few key issues which prompted their decision to run for office.

I thought it was an opportunity to see what other options are out there for me to serve the community, said Jerry Oley, a Democrat and vice-chairman of the Monroe County Board of Commissioners whos running for Monroe County Clerk/Register of Deeds.

I think I have a lot more to offer Monroe County.

His challenger, Sandra Blank, also a Democrat and retired administrative assistant for the Michigan Department of Corrections, hinted at minimal changes she aims to make in the post after becoming familiar with the office and its staff.

My idea, if I win, is to work (in the clerks office) for a little while and get a feel for the opinions of those who work there, Blank said. I will have to give it a try before implementing any changes.

Locally, citizens seemed most concerned about the township making quick improvement to the LaPlaisance Rd. bridge construction, which is expected to include bridge reconstruction and a reconstruction of the I-75 interchange.

Residents also asked candidates about their positions on second amendment rights, and even asked about the recent debate over the Gen. George Armstrong Custer statue, although thats in the City of Monroes jurisdiction.

The following is a roundup of remarks from candidates for Monroe Township offices who spoke during the candidate forum, in alphabetical order, along with their political affiliation and offices sought:

Al Barron, Democrat, supervisor (incumbent)

Updating the public on the LaPlaisance Rd. bridge reconstruction project, discussing the future of medical marijuana facilities in the township and continuing to support the areas public safety forces were at the forefront of Barrons reelection message.

Weve come a long way here, he said. I think the biggest thing (improved) during my term has been the fire department It still should be a main priority.

Barron has served as township supervisor since 1992, seven terms. From 1988-92, he served as trustee.

Wayne Blank, Republican, supervisor

Improving township communication and interaction with citizens are Blanks top priorities in his bid for the supervisors post. For the first time publicly, he announced that hes running for half-pay, stating that hes not in the race for the money.

Ive got a little bit of experience leading, and I think I would bring that to Monroe Township, he said. I would like to see people get involved with the township, the community I plan on making Monroe Township a center for citizens.

Blank has served as a township trustee since 2016. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967-71.

Terrance Guido Gerin, Republican, trustee

Better known by ring-name Rhyno, Gerin is a professional wrestler. Moving to the area just two years ago, he said he recently became involved in local politics.

I started going to meetings and thats how I really started getting involved, he said. Some politicians get really caught up in things and dont listen to citizen concerns One of the things Id like to do as trustee is talk with the citizens.

Gerin is the owner of Big Daddys Boat Yard, 13931 Bridge Dr. in Raisinville Township., a marina and boat storage facility. This is his first local political office sought, although he was a 2016 candidate to represent District 15 in the Michigan House.

Richard Janssens, Republican, trustee

If elected, Janssens says he wont miss a beat as trustee, a position he formerly held. Hes known for advocating for fiscal responsibility and wants to ensure essential township services are maintained throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Hopefully I can pick up where I last left off as trustee, he said.

Janssens retired from DTE Energy and was a farmer. He served in the U.S. Army.

John Manor, Republican, trustee (incumbent)

Monroe is a gateway community, Manor said, but sometimes is treated like a doorstep. Growing businesses in the township, along with supporting nonprofits as the community recovers from COVID-19, are at the heart of his bid for reelection.

What I thoroughly love about local politics is knowing exactly who youre helping, he said. I think, locally, weve had a lot of opportunity to know the people we are helping.

Manor is a current township trustee. He previously worked for the Michigan Legislature.

Kevin Raymo, Republican, trustee

In brief remarks, Raymo said he supports sound fiscal spending in the township. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak to the public in person, a format thats been scarce amid COVID-19.

We need to keep people safe, but not create a panic, he said in a response to a questionnaire from The Monroe News. We need to keep the economy moving forward. Make both parties, Democrats and Republicans, work together for what is best for the citizens we represent.

Raymo is a retired 911 dispatcher for Monroe County Central Dispatch.

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The following township candidates who are up for reelection did not attend the forum: Clerk Christina Smith, Republican; Treasurer Penny D. Barton, Democrat; Trustee William Heck Jr., Democrat.

Guy Howe, a Republican, also is a candidate for trustee who did not attend.

Katybeth Davis, a Democrat, is running as a write-in district delegate during the August primary and trustee in the November general election. She also was not present.

Annamarie Osmet, a Republican, is running for Monroe County Clerk/Register of Deeds, along with Oley and Blank, but did not attend.

Link:

Meet the Candidates: Monroe Boat Club hosts Monroe Township candidate forum ahead of August primary - Bedford Now